📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Global Communications
🔹 Company: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
🔹 Location: New York, London
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Legal
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-01
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving and championing the firm’s communications strategy
- Advising key stakeholders on communications to internal and external audiences
- Proactively anticipating situations that may require specific communications efforts
- Leading the firm’s PR strategy, including media relations, thought leadership, and recognitions
- Managing and developing a global communications team of sixteen people
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, international environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Own and drive the firm’s communications strategy and deliver this across the firm
✅ Directly advise key stakeholders, including the firm’s Senior Partner and Global Leadership Team, on how to frame communications to internal and external audiences
✅ Proactively anticipate situations that may require specific communications efforts
✅ Lead the firm’s PR strategy, including identifying target audiences and outlets, cultivating journalist relationships, and achieving media coverage
✅ Lead the firm’s media and social media, thought leadership, and recognitions strategies, focusing on best practices and metrics relevant to those areas, in alignment with the firm’s strategy and growth areas
✅ Partner with and manage the firm’s external PR agencies to handle media and press-related topics, including for crisis communications
✅ Keep abreast of happenings in the legal industry and the impact this may have internally and externally
✅ Partner closely with all practices and sectors of the business to deliver high-impact communications that support their areas of work
✅ Mentor, develop, and lead the global communications function, ensuring effective communication across various practices and sectors
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 15+ years of experience in a legal or professional services environment, with a proven track record of serving clients/stakeholders in multiple countries, cultures, and time zones
Required Skills:
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills
- Proven ability to develop strategies, initiatives, and plans
- Demonstrable track record serving clients/stakeholders in multiple countries, cultures, and time zones
- Ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines to meet business objectives
- Experience with crisis communications
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Experience working with external PR agencies
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a global or cross-border role and a strong business mindset will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $300,000 - $500,000 per year (New York and California only)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous vacation and sick leave
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is specific to the States of New York and California and may vary for other locations. Benefits may vary based on the employee's location and role.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Freshfields is a global law firm providing business law advice to clients worldwide. The firm is known for its high-quality service, client focus, and innovative approach to legal practice.
Company Size: Freshfields has over 2800 lawyers in 28 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States.
Founded: 1743, in London, England
Company Description:
- Freshfields is a global firm with over 280 years’ experience of anticipating change, setting new standards, and shaping the future of law.
- The firm is a trusted, forward-thinking partner that helps clients make critical decisions, prepare for new opportunities, and tackle unprecedented matters.
- Freshfields is committed to making a positive impact for its clients, communities, and the people it serves.
Company Specialties:
- Corporate
- Litigation
- Regulatory
- Tax
Company Website: http://www.freshfields.com
ASSUMPTION: Freshfields' global presence and diverse client base offer unique opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Global Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer
Reporting Structure: Oversees a sixteen-person global communications team, with regional teams based in the UK, US, Germany, and Asia
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for hybrid or remote work for certain team members
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the role's scope and team as the firm grows
- Opportunities to work on high-profile, cross-border projects
- Possibility to develop and mentor team members, contributing to the firm's overall talent development
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a real impact on the firm's global communications strategy.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces with state-of-the-art technology and amenities
Office Location(s): New York, London
Geographic Context:
- New York: A major global financial hub with a vibrant legal industry
- London: The firm's global headquarters, with a rich history and strong legal market
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for remote work and occasional evening or weekend hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The firm's global offices offer unique cultural experiences and opportunities for international collaboration.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Global Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer
- In-depth interview with the Senior Partner and Global Leadership Team
- Final interview with the firm's Global Head of Human Resources
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and strategic thinking
- Leadership style and team management
- Cultural fit and alignment with the firm's values
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your communications strategy, crisis communications, and media relations work
- Research the firm's recent news and industry trends to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
ATS Keywords: Global Communications, Strategic Planning, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Team Leadership, Legal Industry, Stakeholder Engagement
ASSUMPTION: Freshfields values candidates who can demonstrate a strong strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of the legal industry.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred, but not required, as the firm provides training and support for new team members.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Client-focused
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Innovative
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Global and cross-cultural
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach working with diverse stakeholders, including those from different cultures and time zones?
- Can you provide an example of a successful communications strategy you've developed and executed in a global or cross-border context?
- How do you balance the need for strategic, long-term planning with the demands of immediate, day-to-day communications?
ASSUMPTION: Freshfields values candidates who can demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the firm's values and a willingness to adapt to the firm's fast-paced, global work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a global team with members in different time zones
- Balancing the needs of various practices and sectors within the firm
- Adapting to the firm's rapidly changing business environment
- Navigating the complexities of the legal industry and regulatory landscape
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, strategic planning, and exceptional communication skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles in the legal industry, this role offers a broader scope and greater global responsibility
- Unlike many in-house communications roles, this position involves managing a team and working closely with external PR agencies
- Career progression in this role could lead to a Chief Communications Officer or similar senior leadership position within the firm or another global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for career growth and development within the legal industry and beyond.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a global communications strategy for a major merger or acquisition
- Managing crisis communications in response to a data breach or other sensitive issue
- Leading a team to create and execute a thought leadership campaign, positioning the firm's experts as industry leaders
ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the strategic, global, and cross-functional nature of the role's responsibilities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the firm support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
- Can you describe the firm's approach to crisis communications and how this role would contribute to that effort?
- How does the firm balance the need for consistency in its global communications strategy with the need to adapt to local market conditions?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the firm's communications function in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the firm measure the success of its communications efforts, and how would this role contribute to that process?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role's strategic aspects and commitment to the firm's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, emphasizing your strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and global experience
- Prepare examples of your communications strategy, crisis communications, and media relations work to demonstrate your qualifications
- Research the firm's recent news and industry trends to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
